This week, as we continue our study in Gn. 4 and 5, we consider the meta-narrative provided by Genesis 1-3, the way this narrative plays out in the story of Cain and Abel, and the beginning of the genealogies of two lines of people.

A meta-narrative is an overarching story that explains all of our individual narratives. In Genesis 1-3, we have been looking at the story that explains all of our stories. Some of our greatest questions find their answer here. Who is man? What is his problem? What is the solution to that problem? This answer to these questions forms the creation, fall, redemption paradigm that unfolds throughout scripture. As we move into chapter 4, fallen man looks for the promised one who would crush the serpent’s head, 3:15.

The language of Gn. 4:1, “With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man,” suggests that Eve considered Cain to be the promised offspring. The narrative tells us that Cain worked the soil while Abel kept flocks. When they both bring an offering to the Lord, Abel is accepted, but Cain is rejected. Some have said that this was because Cain did not bring an animal sacrifice. However, it is more likely that Cain held back his offering. We read, “… Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil ….But Abel brought fat portions …”. When Cain saw that his offering was rejected, he was angry. The first murder, a brother killing a brother, follows because of his rage. When God comes to judge Cain, one can see parallels with the account of God looking for Adam and Eve in the garden. Cain lies to the Lord, and the Lord places an even harsher curse on him: the land will not produce even if he works it hard, and Cain will be a wanderer. All hopes of Cain being the promised offspring are quickly dashed. That promise will be fulfilled elsewhere.

As the narrative moves forward, two genealogies unfold. Cain’s family history begins the formation of an anti-God line. Cain has a son, Enoch, and he names a city after him. This is the first mention of a city, imagery which is used throughout the Bible to signify man’s rebellion against God. We learn of Cain’s descendant, Lamech, who takes two wives and boldly murders a young man, which he even boasts about. Within little space, things are looking very dismal. However, there is another genealogy. Adam had another son, Seth, and Seth had a son, Enosh. And we read that at that time men began to call on the name of the Lord. This line will lead to Noah and beyond. So we see that hope will come from a particular son, a particular family, a particular nation, and eventually a particular person: Jesus Christ.

The idea that there are two lines of people must be kept in mind today. Even though it is a very unpopular idea, there are only two camps that every person fits into. Each person is either a child of God or anti-God. For one, there is hope, for the other, a curse. We are compelled to confront everyone with this truth because we are all anti-God without grace. This is the meta-narrative that explains who we are, what our problem is, and what the solution is.

Audio from this week’s lesson: Genesis 4.

~TWM